Close up of woman placing a liner in her underwear

Post-partum recovery: A guide to what incontinence pads and underwear you’ll need after childbirth

Getting ready for your baby’s arrival? While you’re stocking up on nappies and baby gear, don’t forget about what you might need to take care of your own needs post-birth. Recovery is a big part of the journey, and it helps to know what to expect.

From post-partum bleeding to bladder leaks, we’re here to walk you through it all and share which TENA absorbent products can help you feel more comfortable and confident in those early days.

Post-Partum Bleeding

After giving birth, your body starts to heal and shed the lining of the uterus. This is called lochia.1 It’s completely normal and bleeding usually lasts a few weeks, often starting off heavy, then gradually getting lighter.1

It’s slightly different from a regular period and can be heavier at first, which is why typical period pads often don’t cut it.1 In those early days, maternity pads are specially designed to handle the heavier flow and keep you feeling dry and supported.

Post-Partum Incontinence

It’s totally normal to experience a bit of bladder leakage after having a baby and this usually improves after a while.2 Pregnancy and childbirth can put a lot of pressure on your bladder and weaken your pelvic floor muscles, which can lead to post-partum incontinence.2

The most common types are stress incontinence (leaking when you laugh, cough, or sneeze) and urge incontinence (feeling a sudden, intense need to go).2 If you’re experiencing either or both, remember that you’re not alone. Thankfully, incontinence pads can help manage leaks while your body recovers.

What Pads or Underwear Do I Need to Wear After Giving Birth?

During this time, tampons are off limits. That’s because it takes weeks for your uterus to contract back to its normal size, and inserting a tampon could introduce bacteria and increase the chances of an infection. You may also have some perineal tears in and around your vagina, which could get infected or scraped by an inserted tampon, so it’s best to use postpartum pads instead.

For the first week or two after birth, it’s a good idea to have some post-partum underwear or pads that offer maximum absorbency levels, in case you experience a loss of bladder sensation and find that you wet yourself because you don’t feel the urge to urinate.

You might be tempted to use regular sanitary pads, but these may not give you the levels of absorption that you need. Options like TENA Sensitive Care Maximum Incontinence Pads are a better choice as they’re designed for continuous heavy leakage and for women experiencing post-partum incontinence.

Immediately after birth, you might find that you’re most comfortable wearing disposable underwear. They can give a feeling of security around the tummy, whilst offering maximum absorption and protection. Disposable mesh options are super convenient in the early days, but reusable ones can feel more supportive later on. Look for features like breathability, high absorbency, comfort, and cooling effects to keep you feeling fresh and dry. TENA Super Plus Heavy Incontinence Underwear is designed to look and feel like regular underwear with triple protection against bladder leaks, urine odor, and wetness.

Over time, as the bleeding stops and leaks reduce, you can move to something lighter. TENA Sensitive Care Moderate Incontinence Pads and TENA Sensitive Care Extra Coverage Ultra Thin Light Incontinence Pads are both good options, depending on how much absorbency you need. The Sensitive Care pads are discreet and designed to help protect your sensitive, intimate skin.

How to Choose the Best Post-Partum Pads

It may take a bit of trial and error to find the postpartum pad that truly works for you. In the first few days after birth, bleeding can be especially heavy, and having a super absorbent option is essential, particularly overnight, when leaks are more likely and rest is hard to come by.

Comfort also plays a big role, especially for those with sensitive skin. Some pads can feel bulky or irritating, so choosing one that’s soft and breathable can make a big difference. Since frequent changes are part of the routine, it's important to find a pad that's easy to switch out and reliable enough to keep you feeling dry and protected in between. The right pad doesn’t just manage the physical recovery; it offers peace of mind during a time when emotional and physical support matter most.

TENA pads are designed with these needs in mind, combining absorbency, softness, and a secure fit to help make those early weeks just a little bit easier.

How Long Will I Need to Wear Pads After Giving Birth?

Most people wear pads for up to 6–8 weeks after giving birth, though the timeline can vary.1 In the first few days, the bleeding (lochia) is heavy and may include clots. For this, you’ll want a high-absorbency pad. After that, things usually slow down, and you can switch to moderate or light absorbency pads or even liners, depending on your flow.

Bladder leaks may also overlap with postpartum bleeding, so you might need incontinence pads during this time too. It helps to monitor your symptoms. If bleeding increases suddenly, has a bad smell, or if bladder issues persist beyond a few months, it's a good idea to check in with your doctor.

How to Manage Post-Partum Incontinence

Leaking a little now and then is nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s actually really common. Luckily, there are simple things you can do to help strengthen your bladder and feel more in control again:

  • Pelvic floor exercises: Kegels during and after pregnancy can help strengthen your pelvic floor. Start with a few reps each day and build from there.2
  • Bladder training: Space out bathroom visits gradually to retrain your bladder.2
  • Hydration: Drink enough water, but try to limit caffeine, which can irritate the bladder.2
  • Protective products: Reach for discreet, breathable underwear and pads that are designed to manage bladder leaks, so you can stay comfortable and confident.2

If symptoms continue for more than a few months or get in the way of your daily life, it’s totally okay to speak to a healthcare provider for guidance and treatment options.

How Can I Make Healing More Comfortable?

Post-partum recovery is a full-body experience and a little self-care can go a long way. Try:

  • Cooling pads or perineal sprays to ease swelling
  • Sitz baths and witch hazel pads for soothing relief
  • Rest (as much as you can manage!) and stay hydrated to support healing
  • Pain relief — talk to your provider about safe options

And don’t forget your emotional well-being. Those early days can be overwhelming, so give yourself some grace. Talk to a friend, journal, or simply remind yourself that you’re doing your best and this phase won’t last forever.

FAQs

What are the best pads for after giving birth?

Look for ultra-absorbent, breathable, and long-length pads designed specifically for postpartum needs, instead of reaching for period pads. TENA Sensitive Care Pads have options for handling heavy flow, light bladder leaks, and everything in between, while being gentle on sensitive skin.

Why am I leaking urine after giving birth?

Childbirth can weaken the pelvic floor muscles and affect bladder control.2 This type of incontinence is super common and usually improves over time. Pelvic floor exercises can help prevent and manage symptoms too.2

What’s the difference between maternity pads and incontinence pads?

Maternity pads are meant to absorb post-birth bleeding (lochia). Incontinence pads are designed to handle urine leaks, offering better odor control and moisture-locking tech. Many people use both during recovery.

Are there cooling pads for after childbirth?

Yes! Some pads include built-in cooling layers, or you can add ice packs or witch hazel-infused liners to regular pads for relief. These are great for reducing swelling and helping you feel more comfortable.

References

Cleveland Clinic. ‘Lochia’. 2022. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/22485-lochia

Cleveland Clinic. ‘Urinary Incontinence’. 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17596-urinary-incontinence

What pads or underwear do I need to wear after giving birth?

During this time, tampons are off limits. That’s because it takes weeks for your uterus to contract back to its normal size, and inserting a tampon could introduce bacteria and increase the chances of an infection. You may also have some perineal tears in and around your vagina, which could get infected or scraped by an inserted tampon, so, it’s best to use postpartum pads instead. It's also recommended to have showers at this time, rather than baths. 

For the first week or two after birth, it’s a good idea to have some post-partum underwear or pads that offer maximum absorbency levels, in case you experience a loss of bladder sensation and find that you wet yourself because you don’t feel the urge to urinate. 

You might be tempted to use regular sanitary pads, but these may not give you the levels of absorption that you need. Proper postpartum pads like TENA Sensitive Care Ultimate Long Pads are thicker and longer than normal pads, which also help to cushion any areas that might be extra sore. 

Immediately after birth, you might find that you’re most comfortable wearing disposable underwear. They can give a feeling of security around the tummy, whilst offering maximum absorption and protection. TENA Super Plus Heavy Underwear features a stylish, cottony-soft fabric, and is form-fitting and designed to look and feel like regular underwear with triple protection against bladder leaks, urine odor, and wetness.

 

As the bleeding and any leaks become less heavy, you may want to switch over to wearing post-partum pads in your own underwear. TENA Sensitive Care Extra Coverage Maximum Long Pads with 25% extra coverage* are now the first ever bladder weakness pads enriched with our SkinComfort Formula.  Our triple protection against bladder leaks odor and wetness, Duolock core, and cushiony foam side barriers offer skin comfort and security. 

Over time, as the bleeding stops and leaks get lighter, you can move to a liner – TENA Intimates Moderate Regular Pads are 100% breathable to help protect your sensitive, intimate skin. These pads are designed with triple protection against bladder leaks, odor, and wetness. 

Or if your skin is still sensitive after childbirth, TENA Sensitive Care pads are discreet and designed to help protect your sensitive, intimate skin.

How long will I need to wear pads after giving birth?

Bleeding is heaviest for the first three to 10 days, and then it starts to taper off. You’ll want to make sure you have post-partum underwear or pads that have the highest comfort and absorbency levels in these early days of recovery. 

It’s normal for post-partum bleeding to continue for up to six to eight weeks. As the bleeding becomes less heavy, you can switch from disposable underwear and pads with heavier absorbency levels to liners for lighter bleeds as things start to tail off. 

It’s common to experience some ebbs and flows with your bleeding pattern. Often, as you become more active in week three or four after delivery, the bleeding will increase slightly, so you may want to get a range of pads and liners so that you can switch them up to meet your changing absorbency needs. 

It can also take a few weeks or even months to regain complete bladder control again after childbirth. Some women may experience urinary incontinence for longer. However, there are steps you can take to improve things faster.